Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 333.5      ICD10: G25.5      ICD11: 8A0Y

Chorea is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, irregular, unpredictable, and purposeless movements.
These movements can affect any part of the body, including the face, limbs, trunk, and even the tongue.

Here's a breakdown of what that means:

Involuntary: The person cannot control the movements. They happen without conscious effort.
Irregular: The movements are not rhythmic or patterned.
Unpredictable: They occur randomly and unexpectedly.
Purposeless: The movements don't serve any functional goal. They are not intended.

Think of it like this: Imagine someone is randomly flicking their fingers, twitching their face, or shrugging their shoulders without meaning to. That's a simplified illustration of chorea.

Key Characteristics:

"Dancing" movements: The word "chorea" comes from the Greek word for "dance." The movements can sometimes appear graceful or dance-like, but they are not intentional.
Flowing quality: Chorea often involves a continuous, flowing pattern of movements, shifting from one body part to another.
Variability: The severity of chorea can vary from mild fidgeting to severe, disabling movements.
Can be worsened by stress or excitement: Emotional states can exacerbate choreatic movements.
May disappear during sleep: In many cases, chorea is significantly reduced or absent during sleep.

Causes of Chorea:

Chorea can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

Genetic disorders:
Huntington's disease: The most well-known cause of chorea, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
Wilson's disease: A genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the body.
Medications: Certain drugs, such as anti-psychotics, can induce chorea as a side effect (tardive dyskinesia).
Infections: Rheumatic fever (Sydenham's chorea), encephalitis, and other infections can sometimes cause chorea.
Autoimmune disorders: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be associated with chorea.
Metabolic disorders: Hyperthyroidism or hypoparathyroidism.
Stroke or brain injury: Damage to specific areas of the brain can result in chorea.
Pregnancy: Chorea gravidarum (chorea during pregnancy) is rare.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Diagnosis: Diagnosis usually involves a neurological examination, a review of the patient's medical history and medications, and sometimes imaging studies (like MRI) or genetic testing.
Treatment: Treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms and addressing the underlying cause.
Medications: Drugs that can help suppress choreatic movements include dopamine-depleting agents, dopamine receptor antagonists, and benzodiazepines.
Therapy: Physical and occupational therapy can help improve coordination, balance, and function.
Addressing the underlying cause: Treating the underlying condition (e.g., managing Wilson's disease or stopping a medication causing tardive dyskinesia) is crucial.

Important Considerations:

Dyskinesias: Chorea is a type of dyskinesia, which is a broader term referring to any abnormality or impairment of voluntary movement. Other types of dyskinesias include dystonia, tremors, and myoclonus.
Chorea can be debilitating: Severe chorea can interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to eat, dress, walk, and perform other essential tasks.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important: Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of chorea can help improve outcomes and quality of life.

If you suspect you or someone you know has chorea, it's essential to consult with a neurologist for proper evaluation and management. This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered as medical advice.